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The Aquaculture Phytoplankton Monitoring Network (AQPMN) is currently recruiting shellfish aquaculture farms and organizations along the Gulf Coast to participate in their volunteer-based network. Participating hatcheries and growers will receive training on methods to collect and identify local phytoplankton and potential HAB species. Additionally, NOAA will provide all supplies required for program participation,  including plankton nets, thermometers, salt refractometers and digital microscopes free of charge. For additional information, see the attached East Coast Shellfish Growers Association newsletter article here. Contact Nia Rene, AQPMN Coordinator, at nia.rene@noaa.gov to join the network.

Shellfish like clams and oysters can help restore ocean health and support economic development and food production in coastal communities worldwide. A scientist at UF/IFAS has partnered with UF research and extension faculty on a $100,000 grant awarded by The Nature Conservancy (TNC) as part of the new Supporting Oyster Aquaculture and Restoration (SOAR) Shellfish Growers Resiliency Fund. Through the grant,  scientists plan to quantify the ecosystem benefits of bivalve aquaculture, specifically assessing the use of oysters and clams. Researchers also will explore how to integrate shellfish into water quality policies in the state. “The grant will help pave the way

Resources are available to help the shellfish aquaculture industry and others develop preparedness plans and strengthen response to different scenarios. Information is current on the date posted. Access websites below for up-to-date information. November 22, 2021 Deadline to Apply for USDA Pandemic Response and Safety (PRS) Grant Program is November 22 The PRS program provides grants to specialist crop producers, food processors, distributors, and manufacturers with COVID-19 expenses by recovering funds used to respond to the pandemic. Although the deadline to apply is in just a few days (11:59 pm Eastern Time on November 22), the application only takes 3

The potential for commercial aquaculture development of the angelwing clam Cyrtopleura costata, a burrowing bivalve found along the US Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coasts, was reexamined. Studies conducted in the 1980s demonstrated angelwings could be spawned using hatchery methods similar to those for commercial bivalve species. Preliminary results also indicated angelwings grow rapidly and could reach a potential harvest size in six months. However, the lack of economical production methods and harvesting techniques stymied further consideration of angelwings as an aquaculture candidate species. Despite its excellent flavor and attractive shell, another drawback was its short shelf life as most